South Pomfret, Vermont

Thelma Jenne Jillson passed away peacefully on November 10th, 2018, at her home in South Pomfret, Vermont. She was 91.

She was born on November 8th, 1927, in Fitchburg, MA, the oldest child of Frank and Eva Jenne. The family lived on Otis and Milk Streets in Fitchburg throughout Thelma's happy childhood. In 1945 she graduated from Fitchburg High School, and attended nursing school at Massachusetts Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1948. Her nursing career spanned many years at Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital in Hanover, NH, and at the Ottauquechee Health Center in Woodstock, VT.

When she was a young nurse, Thelma met Raymond Aikens Jillson at a dance, and they were married in 1956 at the First Congregational Church in Woodstock. They lived all their lives in South Pomfret, Raymond's hometown, across the street from Suicide Six where they enjoyed skiing with many friends over the years. Antiquing was a joy for them, spanning many years in several states and in Ireland.

Thelma loved the ocean. She used to take her mother to Maine to enjoy the beach, beautiful views, and fresh seafood. Later she and Ray would start a family tradition that lasted many years, gathering several generations for memorable weeks of family time in Wells Beach, ME. Those years allowed the family to share not only special beach time, but also memorable meals, always prepared by Ray. Thelma captured many of the best moments with her camera.

Thelma was a lifelong photographer, knitter, and gardener, and she enjoyed riding horseback. She volunteered with and was a supporter of the Kings Daughters, Glad Rags, the Appalachian Mountain Club, and she was a MacBuddy at the Lucy McKenzie Humane Society where she visited often. It gave her joy to feed the birds, and she participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count for many years. In later years Thelma enjoyed the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock, visiting with friends, playing cards, and having lunch.

One of her greatest passion was raising, showing and loving her dogs. Collette and Buster were her beloved Standard bred Poodles, and she raised them from puppies and showed them at Woodstock area dog club shows. Later, Thelma had Irish Water Spaniels Kelly and Toby, and as well as Jordy, a Bichon Frise, whom she adored. She walked them daily on the Stage Road, much to the neighbors' pleasure for years.

Thelma is survived by her brother Warren "Bud" Jenne and his wife Mary, of Bridgewater and Woodstock; niece Sandra Simonds and her husband Jack, of Killington and South Pomfret; nephew Greg Jenne and his wife Wendy, of Bridgewater; niece Lynn McMorris, and her husband Paul, of Quechee; nephew Peter Jillson, and wife Anne Marie Donegan of Barnard; and niece Lois Jenne of Bridgewater; great nieces and nephews Joany and Alex Higgins, Piper Jenne, Isabelle Jenne, and Nicholas and Anne Jillson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Raymond, sister-in-law Joan Jenne, and nephew David Jenne.

In lieu of flowers, it was Thelma's wish to make donations in her name to Zack's Place and Enrichment Center in Woodstock, VT.

The Celebration of Thelma Jenne Jillson's life will be held on Saturday December 15 ^th at 1:30pm at the Thompson Center, 99 Senior Lane, Woodstock, Vermont with a reception to follow.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Cabot Funeral Home in Woodstock, Vermont.